Gosh…October already…where has the year gone? It is well and truely spring here (see Wednesday’s post for proof!). My daffodils and crocus have finished blooming for the year, so now it is time for a good spring clean of my pots and plants. I still haven’t seen any white muscari, but still live in hope. Anyway, thanks once again to The Propagator for allowing us to share what is going on in our gardens. Check out the participant guide if you want to join in.
It is sunny and windy today and a bit tricky to take pictures when all the plants are swaying in the wind. Yesterday, when it wasn’t quite so sunny, I took the picture below of one of the rhododendron blooms. As stunning as ever, the bright pink flowers brighten up even the dullest day
At number two, the ajugas are still going strong, and are loved by the bees. They pop up to say hello to the last days of the hellebores, which are still flowering not that far away.
Coming in at number three are the camellias. While the white ones are finished, the bush in front of the house still has buds and flowers. It really is a bush that brings a lot of joy!
As I said, the pots at the front of the house are in desperate need of a spring clean – see for example the muscari. All the thymes are looking good, even the newest silver thyme. I have mint and lemon balm to add to jugs of water too, but the sage and curry plants are crying out for new homes. Must book a day off work…
Moving indoors, things are looking fine. You may have seen the cactus that is flowering in Monday’s post, and there are some amazing flowers on the orchid too. These plants sit in the room now used for our home office, so they help to keep us going when we lack inspiration staring at the computer screen.
Those living in New Zealand and who shop in a certain supermarket will be aware of the Little Garden promotion. Designed to get children interested in planting seeds and growing herbs and vegetables. Some things I don’t have space for (eg cauliflower) so I have passed these on to a friend. I have, I think, three sets of mint and four of thyme, but I will have a go anyway and see if I can get anything to grow. It is a great idea I think to get people of all ages interested in growing things.
So that’s it for me this week. As usual, I am looking forward to seeing everyone’s beautiful gardens in other parts of the world. Hope you are all well and enjoying your gardens in whatever the season is with you.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram@thistleandkiwis. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
it’s funny to know that my rhodo is flowering timidly right now. It’s disturbed! 2 small flowers on the purple and the pink ones.
Yours is gorgeous and has got a “normal” big flower
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It isn’t the healthiest of trees, but it produces stunning flowers each year.
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That Little Garden promotion is a good idea. Stunning orchid.
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Yes it is – and some local schools will take donations from people who don’t want the seeds. I’m really pleased with the orchid.
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Beautiful spring! I really like the idea Little Garden. Neat way to get kids interested in growing things.
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Yes it is a fun idea – and for adults too 🙂
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You bet!
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Now that you mention it, I have never seen a single bee at my ajugas. Maybe they prefer other things in my yard? They are my favorite color flower. Fortunately, many flowers are that pretty blue!
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I guess so! I was pleased to see the bee anyway. Yes blue flowers are wonderful.
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We had a similar little garden scheme here with Marks & Spencers but I don’t think they got to pass on that many with lockdown. Wonder if they’ve got a glut left over. I’ve just started some French Lavender off from seed with the kids at school. There are a few lavender plants in already but getting a bit leggy so could do with fresh plants.
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Might be worth asking if there are any seeds left. My lavender is also a bit leggy to be honest but there are so many flowers this year, that I might just try planting it on in the autumn.
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I’m wowed by that hot pink, beautiful rhody! Your shot of the camellia bud is such a promise of your spring beauty to come.
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We are reaching the end of the camellia season unfortunately but there are still a lot more flowers to come.
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The rhododendron flower is beautiful. I’ve recently planted one, and it’s beginning to produce buds. I’m looking forward to seeing that Camellia bud opening.
One of the national stores over here did a similar promotion earlier in the year, and after collecting a number of packet of seeds and other items, a young granddaughter had so much fun planting and then watching her plants grow. I’d love to see more children being taught gardening in schools.
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Yes teaching gardening should be treated as a life skill along with cooking and how to fix a few basic things around the home. I know one of our local primary schools was taking donations of the seeds, so hopefully they have space for a little garden.
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That is a beautiful lavender that you have! What a pity about the white Muscari….you will have to buy some for next spring. The Little Gardens are a great idea to encourage children to develop an interest in gardening.
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gaaagh, bulbs. still haven’t planted any of mine. next weekend. maybe…
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